We had such a great time at The Strand Night Markets last week, connecting with locals about something we all care deeply about—how we make Townsville cooler, greener, and more liveable for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stall to chat about trees, shade, and what a more climate-resilient city could look like. It was genuinely encouraging to hear how many people are passionate about greener streets and healthier neighbourhoods.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the state of the world right now? We have an antidote!

Here at NQCC, we've been busy bringing people together and keeping things light with future-focused campaigns, hands-on actions and walks on Country.

As we head into April, we also kick off fundraising season! As EOFY approaches, we're pushing to raise as much money as we can to fund our work - and there are SO MANY ways you can help!

Whether you're cleaning out to donate to our Garage Sale, recycling your containers with us or making a one-off or monthly contribution, it all adds up!

Importantly, it's not too late to sign up to our Love Where You Live fundraising challenge! If you're not game, make sure you chip in to help our fundraisers reach their targets (particularly me, because I want to win... ).

Enjoy the read, and if you love the work, please help fund it into the future! Thanks for all you do.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

Garabarra (Kissing Point) is an area of cultural significance to the Wulgurukuba and Bindal Peoples, and this cultural heritage has been recognised in an ethno-botanical trail. NQCC was pleased to offer two small groups the opportunity to walk on this Country with Uncle Russell Butler, who generously shared some of his knowledge with us.

Volunteer Welcome Night: Growing Community, Action, and Connection

Last week at our Volunteer Welcome Night, we explored the many ways our community can make a difference for the environment - from hands-on action like plantings and events, to using your voice to advocate for change. It was a wonderful chance to connect with people who care about protecting North Queensland and to reflect on how NQCC supports these efforts while building strong community connections.

What do you love about living in North Queensland? 
The reef, the hills, the rivers, the wildlife - the places that make this region home.

This April, we’re celebrating those places through Love Where You Live, a month-long community fundraiser hosted by the North Queensland Conservation Council (NQCC).

From March 28 (starting with Earth Hour) to April 30, locals have been taking action for nature — and 15 dedicated fundraisers are already out there making a difference.

Now, we’re inviting you to support them.

Renew Australia For All is a movement of unions, social services, environment organisations, faith groups and industry working together to deliver a fairer, better and more secure future for everyone in Australia.

This week, I joined about 80 delegates from near and far descended on Parliament House to meet with senators, Federal MPs and policy advisors ahead of the federal budget.

There are many courageous leaders who have helped shape NQCC's history, and we should take every chance to recognise and celebrate their stories.

Margaret Moorhouse was an inspiration to many, and her lessons will ripple through our movement and community for many years to come. Personally, I was touched by Margaret's ability to advocate fiercely and fearlessly, but always with respect, and by her deep care for her fellow activists - even those new to the movement like I was when we first met.

As we come together to get our hands dirty, walk on Country or fight for North Queensland's future, we stand on the shoulders of giants. It's a privilege to carry that work forward together.

Thank you for standing with us and for all that you do.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

The rain had only just eased enough for us to gather for our first Green Drinks of the year. There was something fitting about that - the air still heavy, the ground freshly washed - as new and familiar faces came together in community.

We were honoured to welcome Max Lenoy as our speaker for the evening. Max has recently joined NQCC as a Management Committee member and brings deep experience as a curriculum specialist in Indigenous education.

For National Heat Awareness Day, NQCC spent the morning at the markets talking with the community about something we all know well in North Queensland: heat. A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers who came along and had thoughtful conversations with people about how heat shapes daily life in Townsville.

Today we learned of the passing of a beloved friend and legendary environmental activist Margaret Moorhouse (aka Peggy Hyde). Our thoughts are with her family and all who knew her well.